Montclair recently approved a $108 million municipal budget for 2025. While the word “budget” might make your eyes glaze over, stick with us; this year’s plan includes some big moves that could affect your daily life, your street, your taxes, and even your grandparents.
Here are 10 things you (probably) didn’t know about the new town budget and why they matter.
1. It’s a $108 million engine running the town.
From traffic lights to tree maintenance, this year’s municipal budget totals just over $108 million. That doesn’t include the budget, which is determined separately by the Montclair Board of Education and approved by the Township Council. But it does fund almost everything else that keeps the town moving. (For background, school taxes are collected by the township, and they appear on your local tax bill. But the municipal budget refers only to the town government’s operating expenses.)
2. Yes, your taxes are going up (but not by much).
Montclair’s municipal tax rate is rising by 1.98 percent, which works out to about $107 more per year for the average homeowner based on a $639,000 assessment. That’s less than $10 a month, but it’s enough to help fund meaningful changes.
3. We’re hiring a boss for safer streets.
The town has created a new position: Complete Streets Director. Laura Torchio will help redesign roads to better accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, strollers, and transit users. The job’s salary range is between $87,000 and $136,000. Listen to our full interview with Torchio earlier this summer.
4. Fire Station 3 is coming back online.
One of Montclair’s shuttered fire stations at 151 Harrison Avenue will reopen, improving emergency response times in areas of town that have gone without nearby coverage for years. It’s a big win for public safety.
5. Montclair’s seniors are getting a real home base.
The township is allocating funds to lease a new senior center. Instead of relying on borrowed space, older residents will have a dedicated location for programs, social events, and community services.
6. Police funding is up and fire funding is shifting.
Police salaries are rising by five percent, bringing the total to more than $17 million. Fire department salaries are slightly lower this year, but funding for equipment and operations is increasing. That means better gear, more maintenance, and potentially improved safety overall.
7. The library is well funded (and not just for books).
Montclair Public Library is receiving $3.9 million, which supports more than just books. The money will help pay for staffing, tech resources, community programming, and building improvements.
8. You’re still paying off school debt, even if you don’t have kids.
Montclair homeowners are covering $7.7 million in school-related debt service this year. That’s because in a Type I school district like Montclair’s, the town issues bonds for capital improvements and pays the debt through property taxes.
9. The town employs over 400 full-time workers.
Montclair’s municipal staff includes more than 400 full-time employees, from public works and planning to administrative services and code enforcement. Salaries, benefits, and pensions are all included in the budget.
10. Capital Improvements got a major boost,
The 2025 budget allocates $2.858 million for capital improvements, more than four times the $686,000 allocated in the previous year. That includes roads, sidewalks, public facilities, and other essential infrastructure.
Want to dig into the numbers yourself?
You can view the full 2025 Montclair Municipal Budget and the User-Friendly Budget Summary on the town’s official website.
You may also like…
- Montclair’s Rise in Homelessness and the Role of MESH: A Town Searching for a Path Forward
- 10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Montclair’s 2025 Budget and Why They Matter. Moves That Affect Your Daily Life.
- Montclair’s New Complete Streets Director, on Building Safer, Smarter Streets in Montclair
- Montclair’s Non-Profit Network: Stories of Urgency, Impact and Community.
- New Superintendent Talks Priorities, Budget, and Equity.
